With all the hand-wringing going on these days about investments, home values, and the economy, the most important aspect of personal finance—particularly for younger adults—is often forgotten. That forgotten element? Human capital. Human capital is defined as “the stock of skills and knowledge embodied in the ability to perform labor so as to produce economic value.” Put another way, it’s the earnings capacity of your work. And at a time when stocks, bonds and other forms of capital are not looking like the best investments, there’s never been a better time for you to focus on maximizing your human capital

I go on to offer the following tips for growing your human capital: 1. Negotiate for a higher salary when you are offered a job. 2. Ask for a raise when you believe you deserve one. 3. Earn an advanced degree or gain high-value experience. 4. Network inside and outside your company to learn about new job opportunities. Read the full article at Young Money.